‘Bengaluru bandh’ if BBMP division decision is not withdrawn: Vatal Nagaraj
Bengaluru: Pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj on Saturday warned that a ‘Bengaluru Bandh’ would be called if the state government does not withdraw its decision to divide the city into five municipalities under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Act. He termed the move “fatal to the existence of Kannadigas” and claimed it would increase the influence of non-Kannada speakers in the city.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Press Club in Bengaluru, Nagaraj said that the decision to split the city would damage its prestige and dignity. “Reducing Bengaluru to the level of a taluk is unacceptable. Appointing five mayors and placing the Chief Minister at the helm of the GBA is against the spirit of decentralised local governance,” he stated. “This move paves the way for political domination by non-Kannada speakers,” he added.
He demanded that, instead of forming five separate municipal corporations, elections should first be held for the unified city corporation. He also criticised the collapse of the city’s civic infrastructure. “Garbage is piling up across the city, roads are riddled with potholes, and lakes are being polluted due to encroachments. Yet, the authorities remain indifferent. Basic civic services are being ignored while the government continues to impose garbage collection taxes,” he alleged.
Vatal Nagaraj announced that a public awareness campaign will be launched from August 14 to expose what he called the government's betrayal of Kannadigas. He also revealed plans to hold discussions with writers, film actors, and artists on the issue. “If our demands are not fulfilled, we will be forced to call for a Bengaluru Bandh,” he reiterated.
Leaders Parthasarathy, Girish Gowda, Narayanaswamy, and others were present at the press meet.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
